ANAND PATWARDHAN Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS petition under Article 226 seeks a writ of mandamus directing the Union of India and Doordarshan to telecast the petitioners documentary film "ram -Ke-Naam" on the Doordarshan on its national programme.

(2.) THE petitioner is a well-known documentary film maker. The petitioner produced in 1991 a documentary film of ninety minutes duration called "ram-Ke-Naam" (in the name of God ). The film was granted "u" certificate by the Censor Board in 1992. The film deals with the Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute and various social and religious issues arising therefrom. The film was selected as the best investigative documentary for the year 1993 and given National Award by the Government of India. It was adjudged as the best documentary in the year 1992 by the jury of the Filmfare Award. It secured a best documentary award at Frie-bourg Switzerland in 1992 and Citizens Award at Yamagota, Japan in 1993 and Ecumenical Prize at Nyon, Switzerland. The film was selected as the only Indian documentary for screening in International Film Festivals such as International Film Festival at Berlin, 1993, Sydney Film Festival, 1993, Film Festival of Willington in New Zealand, 1993 and the Film Festival of Japan.

(3.) THE petitioner submitted a preview copy of the said film to the Doordarshan with a covering letter dated 28th December, 1992 wherein he requested the second respondent the Director General, Doordarshan, to telecast it on the National network of the Doordarshan. Since the letter of the petitioner failed to evoke any response from the second respondent, the petitioner addressed another letter dated 7th April, 1993. As the first respondent failed to respond to the petitioners letter second time as well either in word or in deed, the petitioners advocate addressed a letter to the first respondent in which the latter was called upon to screen the petitioners film on its National network. It was stated in the letter that the petitioners film is an attempt to stem and counteract the fissiparous and sectarian tendencies and to promote integrative forces in the Indian Society. It was stated that in the present milieu of strife and bigotry, the film is capable of making a signal contribution for the unity and integrity of India. Why Doordarshan ignores such a film is really intriguing and fraught with hidden meanings which the Indian citizens have a right to know. Since even the advocates notice failed to evoke any response from the respondents, the petitioner has approached this Court under Article 226.